Ask Me Anything (AMA) session with Grandmaster Axel Smith

What is the best response against e4 if you love taking space?

Hi, my question: At what level should you start one on one lessons with a chess coach ?

Hi Axel, Can you explain the differences in spaced repetition between your method and the standard used on Chessable? What are the pros and cons of each?

What is the optimal time distribution in

a) a 45+10 game

b) a 1:30+30 game

c) a 3+2 game

d) a 30+10 game

e) a 15+10 game

this is because i mostly lose due to time pressure in otb

i am about 1450 rated otb

also what books are recommended(i dont like game books much but puzzle books or opening book are fine) if i wish to learn an offbeat opening without coaching

i have been playing for 8-9 years now

i play below my actual level in online games

Say i can play at a 1800 rated level when i dont hang my pieces, how can i stop hanging my doggone pieces?

Hi, another question : should you improvise your opening when you face an opponent playing an opening that you ve never seen ?

which is better way of learning- Playing or doing puzzles and learning therory

Please man tell me how to cross the level of 870 i'm stuck at 870 from a long time?Please tell me?

Hi , I want to become FIDE Titled , what is the fastest way?

I liked the woodpecker method you introduced, but I need a good website or tool that I can actually do it on, because chess.com doesnt have it, or maybe it does I don't know. i need a way to do certain amounts of tactics and repeating them like said in the video

its a book

And please man tell me how to minimize blunders?

Hi, can you please recommend some openings for me to learn? I am struggling around the 1000 elo mark. Thank you for considering the help and for your attention!

Hello.

I've been stuck in the 550 for over a year. I've also done everything that people and masters have been told me to break into the 600: books, tactics puzzles, join a chess club, analyze my games with the engines, practice endgame and more; but nothing seems to work.

What can I do to really improve as it seems that I'm anchored to 500?

How do I know when to take risks in the middlegame/endgame?

Which opening to play vs 1.d4 if I want to play for a win? Lately I've played a bit of Grünfeld, I find it very drawish. Or should I just be content with a draw, as it's still a much better result than a loss?

What is the best way to turn good tactical skills into tangible results in matches? Are there specific training methods or strategic aspects that I should focus on? Thankss

Hello,

I'm a student learning chess.My chess.com rapid rating is about 1900. I think I have mastered the basics of chess and have a pretty sound opening repatoire, but now I don't know what to work on. I would love it if you would explain what I should work on and the priorities of it.

Thanks

I am stuck at 900 in rapid and want to increase it can u help me and more people who are stuck at a point and want to increase and can u tell an solid and best openings with both black and white according to u as u are a GM who has beated many other GMs and have so much experience.